Regaining a sense of belonging
Hartetroef: a new inclusive meeting hub
Hartetroef: sustainable transformation of a church and presbytery into community’s beating heart
The repurposed church, presbytery, and garden have become the beating heart of the neighbourhood. This sustainable and inclusive project provides a central community hub, a platform for citizen-led initiatives and social employment. Through circular and sustainable construction, co-creation and smart space-sharing, we reconnect past and future, heritage and innovation. Our motto: “By neighbours, for neighbours,” with every initiative strengthening social ties in the neighbourhood.
Belgium
Local
Ghent, city of Flanders
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2024-12-11
Yes
ERDF : European Regional Development Fund
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Hartetroef has transformed the Heilig Hart Church, presbytery and garden into a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community hub. Once underutilized, this heritage site now fosters social connection and local initiatives.
The ambition to restore Heilig Hart Square as Dampoort’s neighbourhood’s central meeting spot began in 2015, when passionate residents began using the presbytery for activities like childcare and tool lending. Recognizing the need for a permanent meeting space, the City made the setup permanent, with the community leading the way.
Through participatory workshops the city co-created a vision together with residents, ensuring accessibility and affordability. The deconsecrated church, presbytery and garden, were reimagined as flexible, multi-purpose spaces, integrating modern eco-design while preserving its historical character. Now a vibrant hub, it fosters residents to help the neighbourhood thrive.
Hartetroef is a project that reaches a diverse group of people. A social employment project offers opportunities to people who face challenges in finding their way in the job market. Low-threshold access ensures affordable dining, co-working, and cultural activities. Community-led governance allows residents to actively shape programming and operations.
The project minimizes environmental impact through adaptive reuse instead of new construction, which reduces waste. It prioritizes energy efficiency with heat pumps and a "heat where necessary" principle. Upcycled furniture and materials are incorporated, alongside rainwater harvesting systems supporting community use and green spaces.
The design opened façades to create an open indoor-outdoor flow. Box-in-box wooden structures balance energy efficiency with heritage preservation. Hartetroef serves as a model for replicable, sustainable urban renewal by demonstrating how repurposing of heritage buildings can drive community-driven regeneration. It sets a scalable example for other European cities.
The ambition to restore Heilig Hart Square as Dampoort’s neighbourhood’s central meeting spot began in 2015, when passionate residents began using the presbytery for activities like childcare and tool lending. Recognizing the need for a permanent meeting space, the City made the setup permanent, with the community leading the way.
Through participatory workshops the city co-created a vision together with residents, ensuring accessibility and affordability. The deconsecrated church, presbytery and garden, were reimagined as flexible, multi-purpose spaces, integrating modern eco-design while preserving its historical character. Now a vibrant hub, it fosters residents to help the neighbourhood thrive.
Hartetroef is a project that reaches a diverse group of people. A social employment project offers opportunities to people who face challenges in finding their way in the job market. Low-threshold access ensures affordable dining, co-working, and cultural activities. Community-led governance allows residents to actively shape programming and operations.
The project minimizes environmental impact through adaptive reuse instead of new construction, which reduces waste. It prioritizes energy efficiency with heat pumps and a "heat where necessary" principle. Upcycled furniture and materials are incorporated, alongside rainwater harvesting systems supporting community use and green spaces.
The design opened façades to create an open indoor-outdoor flow. Box-in-box wooden structures balance energy efficiency with heritage preservation. Hartetroef serves as a model for replicable, sustainable urban renewal by demonstrating how repurposing of heritage buildings can drive community-driven regeneration. It sets a scalable example for other European cities.
Inclusive and participatory urban renewal
Repurposing heritage of churches and its presbytery
Sustainable architecture with attention to circular use
Building sustainable communities
Social employment for vulnerable people
Hartetroef exemplifies Ghent’s urban renewal approach, where sustainability is integrated into long-term, holistic urban planning. The project demonstrates how adaptive building reuse, energy efficiency, and community-led environmental actions contribute to a circular, low-impact urban environment.
The City of Ghent repurposed the church, its presbytery and garden to unite various partners with spatial needs, aligning with Flanders’ broader efforts to find new uses for church buildings. This approach limits environmental impact, promotes circularity and optimizing existing infrastructure, avoiding new construction. The co-use of space minimizes material and energy consumption, making it an example of sustainable space-sharing.
Repurposing the existing structure minimizes construction waste, while preserving architectural heritage. A timber-frame heat cube in the church creates insulated, energy-efficient spaces, ensuring yearround comfort. The main areas - the neighbourhood’s living room, restaurant and community kitchen - are heated 90% of the time by heat pumps. A ‘heat where necessary’ principle further reduces energy use, lowering reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening eco-design principles.
To optimize water use, rainwater is partially drained via existing sewers, while a storage system provides water for sanitary purposes. An additional rainwater storage facility on the square serves both the community and the city’s Green Service, contributing in an innovative way to nature-based solutions.
Most furniture and interior elements were reused or upcycled, with residents donating furniture, kitchenware, and tableware, actively shaping the space. This reduces resource consumption, fosters circularity and strengthens community ties.
By integrating energy-efficient renovation, water conservation, and material reuse, Hartetroef demonstrates how circularity and environmental responsibility can be embedded in urban renewal projects, inspiring other cities.
The City of Ghent repurposed the church, its presbytery and garden to unite various partners with spatial needs, aligning with Flanders’ broader efforts to find new uses for church buildings. This approach limits environmental impact, promotes circularity and optimizing existing infrastructure, avoiding new construction. The co-use of space minimizes material and energy consumption, making it an example of sustainable space-sharing.
Repurposing the existing structure minimizes construction waste, while preserving architectural heritage. A timber-frame heat cube in the church creates insulated, energy-efficient spaces, ensuring yearround comfort. The main areas - the neighbourhood’s living room, restaurant and community kitchen - are heated 90% of the time by heat pumps. A ‘heat where necessary’ principle further reduces energy use, lowering reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening eco-design principles.
To optimize water use, rainwater is partially drained via existing sewers, while a storage system provides water for sanitary purposes. An additional rainwater storage facility on the square serves both the community and the city’s Green Service, contributing in an innovative way to nature-based solutions.
Most furniture and interior elements were reused or upcycled, with residents donating furniture, kitchenware, and tableware, actively shaping the space. This reduces resource consumption, fosters circularity and strengthens community ties.
By integrating energy-efficient renovation, water conservation, and material reuse, Hartetroef demonstrates how circularity and environmental responsibility can be embedded in urban renewal projects, inspiring other cities.
To enhance the user experience, renovating the church and presbytery was needed. Despite its central location, the church lacked openness and engagement with its surroundings. The adjacent Heilig Hart square, located beside rather than in front of the church, failed to create a spatial connection between indoor and outdoor activities. To transform the church into a welcoming, vibrant gathering place at the heart of the neighbourhood, this had to change. The hidden garden between the church and the presbytery also needed to be revealed.
The church's closed-off nature was reimagined through architectural design: new concrete arches open the side facades, connecting the square and garden. Heart-shaped details reference the church and square's name, reinforcing local identity.
The new setback façade creates covered outdoor spaces that extend the public realm into the church. Each renovated space has separate access. A larger covered terrace enhances the garden side.
Integrating new functions into the church was challenging due to its unique architecture and modern energy requirements. Box-in-box wooden volumes ensure energy efficiency while preserving the neo-Gothic design. Kept low, they highlight historic elements, such as the stained-glass windows commemorating WWI. The original 1886 organ has been preserved, and a covered walkway links the hall to the square.
The church’s colourful cement tiles were removed due to necessary piping work. The new tiles honour the original colours, while salvageable tiles were donated for reuse to local residents.
At residents’ request (Pastory Vzw), presbytery’s renovations were minimal, allowing locals to shape the interior design in line with their needs.
The project aligns with Ghent’s urban renewal vision, where architecture strengthens community identity. By opening up the church’s facades, it reconnects the church, presbytery, and public space, making this not just a physical renewal but also a cultural transformation.
The church's closed-off nature was reimagined through architectural design: new concrete arches open the side facades, connecting the square and garden. Heart-shaped details reference the church and square's name, reinforcing local identity.
The new setback façade creates covered outdoor spaces that extend the public realm into the church. Each renovated space has separate access. A larger covered terrace enhances the garden side.
Integrating new functions into the church was challenging due to its unique architecture and modern energy requirements. Box-in-box wooden volumes ensure energy efficiency while preserving the neo-Gothic design. Kept low, they highlight historic elements, such as the stained-glass windows commemorating WWI. The original 1886 organ has been preserved, and a covered walkway links the hall to the square.
The church’s colourful cement tiles were removed due to necessary piping work. The new tiles honour the original colours, while salvageable tiles were donated for reuse to local residents.
At residents’ request (Pastory Vzw), presbytery’s renovations were minimal, allowing locals to shape the interior design in line with their needs.
The project aligns with Ghent’s urban renewal vision, where architecture strengthens community identity. By opening up the church’s facades, it reconnects the church, presbytery, and public space, making this not just a physical renewal but also a cultural transformation.
Accessibility is often defined as making spaces wheelchair friendly, clear signalisation and easy access. While these elements are crucial, true accessibility goes beyond physical adjustments to also include economic affordability, a sense of feeling welcome, and support to navigate society. In Hartetroef these broader dimensions of accessibility and inclusion were addressed.
The church and presbytery, once central to the community, were increasingly underutilized. Despite this, they offered valuable assets: a central location, neighbourhood visibility, and a charming garden; Features crucial for engaging the diverse Dampoort district, home to residents from 95 different nationalities and a prosperity index below Ghent's average.
Following the City’s integrated urban renewal strategy, inclusion is embedded in every stage of the project, through participatory design processes and by ensuring every resident has a voice in decision-making.
The interior spaces were designed to accommodate various needs. The restaurant offers a range of seating options: individuals can dine alone or with others. The presbytery's living room is comfortably furnished. Both venues have become welcoming homes—a safe haven where locals can connect, volunteer, or simply enjoy activities. There are no obligations, the threshold is low, with drinks and food offered at affordable prices, and people with lower incomes paying less.
Hartetroef serve as a vibrant community hub, bringing together various partners and residents. This collaboration attracts diverse groups, including young families, individuals with mental health challenges, musicians, etc.. Through a bottom-up approach, residents participate in the daily operations and organization of activities.
In the church, a social worker connects different organizations to support social interactions. Additionally, a social employment program enhances integration into the regular job market, offering opportunities for vulnerable individuals.
The church and presbytery, once central to the community, were increasingly underutilized. Despite this, they offered valuable assets: a central location, neighbourhood visibility, and a charming garden; Features crucial for engaging the diverse Dampoort district, home to residents from 95 different nationalities and a prosperity index below Ghent's average.
Following the City’s integrated urban renewal strategy, inclusion is embedded in every stage of the project, through participatory design processes and by ensuring every resident has a voice in decision-making.
The interior spaces were designed to accommodate various needs. The restaurant offers a range of seating options: individuals can dine alone or with others. The presbytery's living room is comfortably furnished. Both venues have become welcoming homes—a safe haven where locals can connect, volunteer, or simply enjoy activities. There are no obligations, the threshold is low, with drinks and food offered at affordable prices, and people with lower incomes paying less.
Hartetroef serve as a vibrant community hub, bringing together various partners and residents. This collaboration attracts diverse groups, including young families, individuals with mental health challenges, musicians, etc.. Through a bottom-up approach, residents participate in the daily operations and organization of activities.
In the church, a social worker connects different organizations to support social interactions. Additionally, a social employment program enhances integration into the regular job market, offering opportunities for vulnerable individuals.
Before purchasing the church, the City of Ghent only owned the presbytery. Initially, the plan was to sell it. However, in 2015, as part of Ghent’s urban renewal programme En Route, the ambition to restore the church, its presbytery and the garden as a central meeting spot in the Dampoort neighbourhood began to take shape. A group of passionate residents (Pastory Vzw) started organizing activities in the presbytery, such as childcare, a tool-lending service, and other initiatives. This vibrant community involvement led the city to make the temporary setup permanent.
This participatory model is central to Ghent’s urban renewal efforts, ensuring that community drives the transformation rather than imposing top-down decisions. By embedding local input into the design, governance, and ongoing management, Hartetroef showcases how a community-driven approach can lead to lasting, sustainable change.
When the City of Ghent and the urban development company Sogent began searching for a design team, they engaged with local residents and associations to understand their aspirations. The community’s input shaped the design guidelines and the selection of the final design team reflected these needs. Ongoing consultations ensured the design remained responsive to resident’s expectations.
After the structural works, residents were invited to participate in a workshop to design the interiors of the church and presbytery. Furniture was crafted from reusable materials, many sourced from the neighbourhood, at the City’s Social Economy Services Company workshop. Residents also contributed to painting, installing lamps, and serving coffee and soup. additionally, the names Hartetroef and Pastory were chosen in a participatory manner.
The design of the church and the presbytery was a natural outcome of the participatory process, with the City of Ghent providing the framework and the resources. Today, the users of the church and presbytery continue to represent and shape this place.
This participatory model is central to Ghent’s urban renewal efforts, ensuring that community drives the transformation rather than imposing top-down decisions. By embedding local input into the design, governance, and ongoing management, Hartetroef showcases how a community-driven approach can lead to lasting, sustainable change.
When the City of Ghent and the urban development company Sogent began searching for a design team, they engaged with local residents and associations to understand their aspirations. The community’s input shaped the design guidelines and the selection of the final design team reflected these needs. Ongoing consultations ensured the design remained responsive to resident’s expectations.
After the structural works, residents were invited to participate in a workshop to design the interiors of the church and presbytery. Furniture was crafted from reusable materials, many sourced from the neighbourhood, at the City’s Social Economy Services Company workshop. Residents also contributed to painting, installing lamps, and serving coffee and soup. additionally, the names Hartetroef and Pastory were chosen in a participatory manner.
The design of the church and the presbytery was a natural outcome of the participatory process, with the City of Ghent providing the framework and the resources. Today, the users of the church and presbytery continue to represent and shape this place.
A wide range of stakeholders have been involved in the design and implementation of Hartetroef. Local residents and neighbourhood organisations are the core stakeholders, as the project stems from their initiatives and passionate contributions. Without their input, there would be no workshops, encounters, activities and good food. Many neighbourhood activities revolve around food and socializing, the City chose to integrate a community kitchen into this new meeting place.
Equally important stakeholders include the City’s Social Economy Services Company, Urban Community Work, Outreach Work, local schools and the youth organisation Chiro. These stakeholders provide essential services: a low threshold meeting space where people can participate in activities, a social restaurant where they can get good food and feel at home and group activities for children.
In addition to the permanent residents, the project also attracts regular users who contribute through homework assistance, music concerts, breakfast meetings, etc. And this is just the beginning. Hartetroef continues to grow and expand, offering new opportunities for collaboration and community engagement.
The City of Ghent is actively collaborating as the property owner, investing all the resources required. The Flemish government supports the broader urban renewal programme En Route, which explicitly funds the conversion of the church, presbytery and surroundings into a new central meeting point in the neighbourhood. The European Union also subsidizes through European Regional Development Fund.
Hartetroef serves as a model of multi-level governance in urban renewal, demonstrating how collaboration between local, regional, and European levels can create projects with broad, long-term impact.
Equally important stakeholders include the City’s Social Economy Services Company, Urban Community Work, Outreach Work, local schools and the youth organisation Chiro. These stakeholders provide essential services: a low threshold meeting space where people can participate in activities, a social restaurant where they can get good food and feel at home and group activities for children.
In addition to the permanent residents, the project also attracts regular users who contribute through homework assistance, music concerts, breakfast meetings, etc. And this is just the beginning. Hartetroef continues to grow and expand, offering new opportunities for collaboration and community engagement.
The City of Ghent is actively collaborating as the property owner, investing all the resources required. The Flemish government supports the broader urban renewal programme En Route, which explicitly funds the conversion of the church, presbytery and surroundings into a new central meeting point in the neighbourhood. The European Union also subsidizes through European Regional Development Fund.
Hartetroef serves as a model of multi-level governance in urban renewal, demonstrating how collaboration between local, regional, and European levels can create projects with broad, long-term impact.
This project exemplifies Ghent’s commitment to urban renewal as a transdisciplinary effort, integrating spatial planning, social work, heritage conservation, and economic development to create a holistic, sustainable neighbourhood transformation.
Hartetroef addresses a wide range of knowledge fields. The City of Ghent involved partners from multiple policy areas. As the diversity of the Dampoort neighbourhood, where many face challenges such as rising living costs, lack of legal documents, homelessness or social isolation, various disciplines were engaged: well-being, social cohesion, outreach work, local social policy, healthcare, the Social Economy Services Company, youth service, schools, citizen participation, etc.
The value of Hartetroef lies in the focus on fostering social connection and collaboration between community organizations and residents, regardless of background or legal status. This central hub creates a safe space where residents of all ages, beliefs, and backgrounds come together and feel at home. Through collaboration with all partners, the project promotes shared learning, transcending disciplines to meet the community’s diverse needs.
Due to the unique nature of establishing a hub within a church and its presbytery, it was equally important to involve the heritage department, the diocese, and urban renewal authorities. Their input on key architectural elements as well as the diocese’s concerns about the new purpose of the buildings, were essential for the project’s success.
This process demonstrates how the social and spatial dimensions interact, as the renovation was a continuous cooperative effort between residents and partners from various policy areas.
Hartetroef addresses a wide range of knowledge fields. The City of Ghent involved partners from multiple policy areas. As the diversity of the Dampoort neighbourhood, where many face challenges such as rising living costs, lack of legal documents, homelessness or social isolation, various disciplines were engaged: well-being, social cohesion, outreach work, local social policy, healthcare, the Social Economy Services Company, youth service, schools, citizen participation, etc.
The value of Hartetroef lies in the focus on fostering social connection and collaboration between community organizations and residents, regardless of background or legal status. This central hub creates a safe space where residents of all ages, beliefs, and backgrounds come together and feel at home. Through collaboration with all partners, the project promotes shared learning, transcending disciplines to meet the community’s diverse needs.
Due to the unique nature of establishing a hub within a church and its presbytery, it was equally important to involve the heritage department, the diocese, and urban renewal authorities. Their input on key architectural elements as well as the diocese’s concerns about the new purpose of the buildings, were essential for the project’s success.
This process demonstrates how the social and spatial dimensions interact, as the renovation was a continuous cooperative effort between residents and partners from various policy areas.
The innovative character of the project lies in its integrated urban renewal approach. Instead of isolated urban interventions, the City of Ghent focuses on neighbourhood-wide, long-term improvements that balance spatial, environmental, economic and community needs. Hartetroef exemplifies this approach, highlighting innovation at several levels. The architectural solutions address sustainability challenges, while the method of linking local needs to the right space ensures complementarity. The manager’s role and the co-creation process with residents are key. By linking adaptive reuse, participatory governance, and social inclusion into one comprehensive model, the project serves as a blueprint for other cities.
The transformation of the former church tackled the dilemma of repurposing empty churches. The challenge was not only reusing the space, but also making it warm and inviting. Wooden box-in-box structures ensure energy efficiency while preserving the church’s architecture. New concrete arches connect it to Heilig Hart Square and the garden.
Renovating the presbytery with local residents increased neighbourhood involvement. Prior to the design process, the City conducted workshops with residents and local organisations to align the spatial needs with available spaces. The approach of mapping spatial needs was new and highly valued, revealing opportunities to create shared, multifunctional spaces. By designing versatile areas, the project efficiently addressed various needs in one location.
The integrated vision also influenced the role of the manager of Hartetroef. Unlike traditional building managers, the manager is responsible not only for facility maintenance, but also for financial sustainability, planning community programs, and fostering stakeholder relationships to strengthen community bonds. Besides, the Social Economy Services Company’s employment program helps vulnerable people taking steps towards employment.
The transformation of the former church tackled the dilemma of repurposing empty churches. The challenge was not only reusing the space, but also making it warm and inviting. Wooden box-in-box structures ensure energy efficiency while preserving the church’s architecture. New concrete arches connect it to Heilig Hart Square and the garden.
Renovating the presbytery with local residents increased neighbourhood involvement. Prior to the design process, the City conducted workshops with residents and local organisations to align the spatial needs with available spaces. The approach of mapping spatial needs was new and highly valued, revealing opportunities to create shared, multifunctional spaces. By designing versatile areas, the project efficiently addressed various needs in one location.
The integrated vision also influenced the role of the manager of Hartetroef. Unlike traditional building managers, the manager is responsible not only for facility maintenance, but also for financial sustainability, planning community programs, and fostering stakeholder relationships to strengthen community bonds. Besides, the Social Economy Services Company’s employment program helps vulnerable people taking steps towards employment.
To achieve sustainable urban renewal in a neighbourhood, a balance is required between improving the quality of life on a social, economic, spatial and environmental level. Every place is unique and requires a tailor-made approach. An integrated strategy focusing on communication, people-oriented planning, participation and co-creation is essential. A bottom-up approach ensures residents and organizations are heard and involved throughout the design process.
The ambition to restore Heilig Hart Square as Dampoort’s central meeting spot is realised through an intense partnership between the City, the Social Economy Services Company and local organisations and residents.
Pastory Vzw (local residents) has existed for several years, but Hartetroef only started in 2024 after the renovation was completed. This means that the central meeting spot is still growing. Pastory vzw experiences the presbytery as their methodology. The homely and informal character of the building helps to lower the treshold for residents. There are no anonymous spaces. For example, the kitchen already has a cooking team. This recognizable sense of homeliness creates a warm atmosphere where visitors can do their own thing and take ownership. Beyond physical growth, we see personal development through activities such as hosting visitors, running the bar, etc. People can grow on their own initiative and at their own pace.
The concept of growth is interpretated broadly: by coming to Hartetroef people participate in social life and can connect with other residents. "The presbytery is important to me because it’s a network. Later, you also meet people on the street that you got to know here."
The employment project offers opportunities to those struggling to find their way in the job market. Coaches guide them through a personalized program. On-site, they learn the tricks of the trade, gaining valuable work experience. This contributes to individual futures and the economy of tomorrow.
The ambition to restore Heilig Hart Square as Dampoort’s central meeting spot is realised through an intense partnership between the City, the Social Economy Services Company and local organisations and residents.
Pastory Vzw (local residents) has existed for several years, but Hartetroef only started in 2024 after the renovation was completed. This means that the central meeting spot is still growing. Pastory vzw experiences the presbytery as their methodology. The homely and informal character of the building helps to lower the treshold for residents. There are no anonymous spaces. For example, the kitchen already has a cooking team. This recognizable sense of homeliness creates a warm atmosphere where visitors can do their own thing and take ownership. Beyond physical growth, we see personal development through activities such as hosting visitors, running the bar, etc. People can grow on their own initiative and at their own pace.
The concept of growth is interpretated broadly: by coming to Hartetroef people participate in social life and can connect with other residents. "The presbytery is important to me because it’s a network. Later, you also meet people on the street that you got to know here."
The employment project offers opportunities to those struggling to find their way in the job market. Coaches guide them through a personalized program. On-site, they learn the tricks of the trade, gaining valuable work experience. This contributes to individual futures and the economy of tomorrow.
The transformation of a church and its presbytery into a vibrant community can be replicated in every place where churches and their surroundings are being poorly used or abandoned. However several challenges must be addressed.
A tailor-made approach with an integrated strategy focusing on communication, people-oriented planning, participation and co-creation is key. Sustainable urban renewal requires a balance between improving quality of life on a social, economic, spatial and environmental level. A bottom-up approach ensures residents and organizations are heard and involved throughout the design process.
Blending new functions with the church’s architecture was adressed by using box-in-box volumes that meet modern energy and sustainability standards. The volume in the church nave is built from CLT (cross-laminated timber), a sustainable material that significantly reduces CO₂ emissions compared to concrete and steel. CLT allows for fast assembly with prefabricated elements, flexible design and adapting to complex shapes. The wood creates a warm, indoor atmosphere that enhances residents’ well-being. These new wooden volumes comply with contemporary energy regulations, respecting the authentic neo-Gothic architecture, blending modern architectural solutions with a deep respect for cultural heritage.
Another challenge was connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. This was achieved by opening up the side façades with new concrete arch structures, linking the interior with the square but with the presbytery and the garden.
However, this was just the physical transformation. The project’s success also stems from the dedication of partners and residents. A wide range of recurring and one-off activities engages different target groups and fosters social ties among residents from diverse backgrounds. the approach is highly transferable and can be adapted to different neighbourhoods by identifying the right partners and programming activities suited to local needs.
A tailor-made approach with an integrated strategy focusing on communication, people-oriented planning, participation and co-creation is key. Sustainable urban renewal requires a balance between improving quality of life on a social, economic, spatial and environmental level. A bottom-up approach ensures residents and organizations are heard and involved throughout the design process.
Blending new functions with the church’s architecture was adressed by using box-in-box volumes that meet modern energy and sustainability standards. The volume in the church nave is built from CLT (cross-laminated timber), a sustainable material that significantly reduces CO₂ emissions compared to concrete and steel. CLT allows for fast assembly with prefabricated elements, flexible design and adapting to complex shapes. The wood creates a warm, indoor atmosphere that enhances residents’ well-being. These new wooden volumes comply with contemporary energy regulations, respecting the authentic neo-Gothic architecture, blending modern architectural solutions with a deep respect for cultural heritage.
Another challenge was connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. This was achieved by opening up the side façades with new concrete arch structures, linking the interior with the square but with the presbytery and the garden.
However, this was just the physical transformation. The project’s success also stems from the dedication of partners and residents. A wide range of recurring and one-off activities engages different target groups and fosters social ties among residents from diverse backgrounds. the approach is highly transferable and can be adapted to different neighbourhoods by identifying the right partners and programming activities suited to local needs.
Hartetroef provides a local response to global challenges related to social inclusion, climate change, and sustainable urban development. In doing so, it addresses key objectives of the European Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By repurposing heritage in an innovative way and creating an inclusive, accessible meeting place, it contributes to a future-proof city where sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics go hand in hand.
The project consciously chooses renovation over new construction, reducing CO₂ emissions from construction processes. The box-in-box wooden structures ensure an optimal balance between heritage preservation and energy savings. Additionally, energy-efficient measures are implemented to reduce the ecological footprint. Hartetroef prioritizes energy efficiency with heat pumps and the “heat where necessary” principle. Rainwater collection systems ensure sustainable water management, while material reuse, upcycled furniture, and minimized waste streams promote circularity.
The project strengthens social cohesion and inclusion thanks to its co-creative approach, community-led governance, and low-threshold access. The social employment opportunities provide chances for people facing challenges in the job market. By creating green spaces, encouraging community activities, and promoting social well-being, Hartetroef contributes to a healthier living environment. Thanks to its central location and the redevelopment into an accessible meeting place, the project encourages active mobility, such as walking and cycling.
In short, Hartetroef demonstrates that urban regeneration, heritage preservation, and sustainability can go hand in hand and offers a scalable model for other European cities. By reusing existing infrastructure, promoting a circular economy, and engaging the community, Hartetroef takes a significant step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The project consciously chooses renovation over new construction, reducing CO₂ emissions from construction processes. The box-in-box wooden structures ensure an optimal balance between heritage preservation and energy savings. Additionally, energy-efficient measures are implemented to reduce the ecological footprint. Hartetroef prioritizes energy efficiency with heat pumps and the “heat where necessary” principle. Rainwater collection systems ensure sustainable water management, while material reuse, upcycled furniture, and minimized waste streams promote circularity.
The project strengthens social cohesion and inclusion thanks to its co-creative approach, community-led governance, and low-threshold access. The social employment opportunities provide chances for people facing challenges in the job market. By creating green spaces, encouraging community activities, and promoting social well-being, Hartetroef contributes to a healthier living environment. Thanks to its central location and the redevelopment into an accessible meeting place, the project encourages active mobility, such as walking and cycling.
In short, Hartetroef demonstrates that urban regeneration, heritage preservation, and sustainability can go hand in hand and offers a scalable model for other European cities. By reusing existing infrastructure, promoting a circular economy, and engaging the community, Hartetroef takes a significant step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The transformation of the church, presbytery and garden into a vibrant hub has already made a significant impact on the neighbourhoods’ social cohesion, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.
The social impact is tangible. Pastory vzw, a volunteer-led initiative, has already been active since the renovation of the presbytery, creating a strong foundation for community engagement. There is a dedicated group of volunteers who manage the presbytery and warmly welcome new volunteers and initiatives. Next to their own initiatives, they seek actively collaboration with neighbourhood organisations. The December 2024 opening of Hartetroef accelerated this momentum. Within two months, 897 meals were served, 44% at a reduced social rate, ensuring affordability for all. A group of vulnerable residents now actively participates by preparing weekly breakfasts, strengthening their social ties and skills.
Hartetroef is a meeting place for diverse communities, reaching people of different nationalities, ages, and income levels. Local partnerships enhance this inclusivity, offering cultural activities, co-working spaces, and employment opportunities. The impact becomes most evident in conversations with residents, volunteers and partners. One visitor shared: "I truly got to know my neighbourhood through the Pastory, even though I’ve lived here for 35 years", while another one stated: “We are so happy that we now have a place to go for a meal. By sitting at the table together, we also get to know other people.”
Beyond the immediate social impact, Hartetroef serves as a scalable model for heritage-based urban renewal, showing how adaptive reuse and community-led governance can transform underutilized spaces. The integration of energy-efficient box-in-box structures, rainwater collection, and upcycled materials minimizes environmental impact while preserving heritage.
The social impact is tangible. Pastory vzw, a volunteer-led initiative, has already been active since the renovation of the presbytery, creating a strong foundation for community engagement. There is a dedicated group of volunteers who manage the presbytery and warmly welcome new volunteers and initiatives. Next to their own initiatives, they seek actively collaboration with neighbourhood organisations. The December 2024 opening of Hartetroef accelerated this momentum. Within two months, 897 meals were served, 44% at a reduced social rate, ensuring affordability for all. A group of vulnerable residents now actively participates by preparing weekly breakfasts, strengthening their social ties and skills.
Hartetroef is a meeting place for diverse communities, reaching people of different nationalities, ages, and income levels. Local partnerships enhance this inclusivity, offering cultural activities, co-working spaces, and employment opportunities. The impact becomes most evident in conversations with residents, volunteers and partners. One visitor shared: "I truly got to know my neighbourhood through the Pastory, even though I’ve lived here for 35 years", while another one stated: “We are so happy that we now have a place to go for a meal. By sitting at the table together, we also get to know other people.”
Beyond the immediate social impact, Hartetroef serves as a scalable model for heritage-based urban renewal, showing how adaptive reuse and community-led governance can transform underutilized spaces. The integration of energy-efficient box-in-box structures, rainwater collection, and upcycled materials minimizes environmental impact while preserving heritage.
